Antarctica exploration topic of Sunday presentation

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The history of Antarctica and the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Centenary Expedition 2014 are the topics of a presentatation Sunday at the Florida Museum of Natural History.

During the free program beginning at 2 p.m., Glenn M. Stein, U.S. liaison for the project, will discuss the history of the continent, effects of global warming, the incomplete first attempt to cross Antarctica by Sir Ernest Shackleton in 1914 and upcoming re-creation of the trip.

“People tend to have a vague idea of polar history,” Stein said. “If you don’t study and understand the past, lessons are forgotten.”

The project represents the 100th anniversary of Shackleton’s 1914-17 expedition, which failed after his ship, the “Endurance,” wrecked near the coast. Despite this setback, Shackleton and his crew survived the elements and made it home in one of history’s most celebrated survival stories.

In 2014, six skiers will attempt to cross the continent and complete Shackleton’s intended route.

“They are trying to complete a historic voyage,” said Catherine Carey, Florida Museum public programs coordinator. “This is an opportunity to learn more about an era and area of exploration that most people are not familiar with.”